World's First High-Speed Amphibian Debuts at Miami Boat Show

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The world's first high-speed sports amphibian, the GIBBS Quadski, will make its Miami public debut at this year's Miami International Boat Show (Feb. 14-18).

Developed and built in the U.S., the high-speed amphibian (HSA) has a durable, but light-weight composite hull; utilizes patented water-jet technology, and is powered by a BMW Motorrad engine and transmission.

The Quadski transitions from land to water in less than five seconds and reaches planing speeds in seconds. The new HSA weighs 1,300 pounds, is equipped with a 15-gallon fuel tank and retails for about $40,000.

Currently available in five colors – red, yellow, blue, silver and back – the GIBBS Quadski already is on sale in Florida and soon will go on sale at other dealerships in Michigan, New York, Texas and elsewhere in the midwest and southeastern United States.

Two Florida dealers are among the first dealerships authorized to sell and service the Quadski in the United States. The all-new HSA is on sale at RIVA Motorsports and Cycle Springs Powersports of Clearwater. The world's largest personal watercraft dealer, RIVA has newly expanded facilities in Pompano Beach, Cutler Bay and Key Largo. Cycle Springs Powersports is the Tampa Bay area's largest family-owned powersports dealer.

Quadski will be on display in the National Marine Super Yacht Toy Store at the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show. Gibbs Sports Amphibians also will have an exhibit (Booth 1968) at the Miami Boat Show. More than 2,000 companies are expected to showcase nearly 3,000 boats in addition to a wide range of marine engines, gear and accessories at the show which will occupy exhibit space at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Sea Isle Marina and Miamarina at Bayside. The five-day show attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually.

The dream of two visionary entrepreneurs -- Alan Gibbs and Neil Jenkins -- the Quadski is the product of millions of research dollars and years of development work in the U.S., the U.K. and New Zealand. It is being assembled at a 54,000-square-foot assembly plant in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

“Quadski represents an entirely new form of transportation,” notes Alan Gibbs, the founder of Gibbs Technologies and Gibbs Sports Amphibians. “It is the only sports amphibian in the world capable of reaching speeds of 45 miles per hour on both land and water and can transition between both in less than five seconds.”

Gibbs points out that the companies have more than 300 patents and patents pending on Gibbs HSA technology representing an investment of more than $200-million and two-million man hours of work.

“Bringing Quadski to market has been a long uphill battle, but clearly worth the effort,” adds Gibbs Chairman Neil Jenkins. “Quadski is making its public debut at major marine and powersports shows in the United States this year and will pave the way for a host of other Gibbs amphibians designed for consumers, sports enthusiasts, law enforcement agencies and first responders in years to come.”

Gibbs' unique high-speed amphibian attracted crowds last month at the North American International Auto Show (Jan.19-27) in Detroit and also will be on display in February at the Detroit Boat Show (Feb. 16-24).

Quadski has a unique retractable suspension system that provides superb ride-and handling on land and then can retract in seconds after entering water. The new HSA's BMW four-cylinder, water-cooled engine is considered the lightest powerplant in its segment and features electronic fuel injection, a double-overhead camshaft and dry-sump lubrication.

Designed to meet applicable state and federal safety regulations, the Quadski is 10.5 feet in overall length; 5.2 feet in width, and 4.3 feet in height with a wheelbase of 5.8 feet.

About Gibbs Sports Amphibians

Gibbs Sports Amphibians Inc. (GIBBS) has developed its High Speed Amphibian (HSA) technology to create Quadski, the world's first sports amphibian to operate at high speeds on both land and water.

The privately held company, founded by Alan Gibbs with Neil Jenkins in 2007, consists of two divisions – Gibbs Sports Amphibians, Inc., which designs and manufactures consumer sports amphibians such as the Quadski, and Gibbs Amphitrucks Inc., which builds commercial amphibians for first responder and military applications. Based in Auburn Hills, Mich., Gibbs currently has more than 120 employees.

More information about Gibbs and its HSA technology can be found at www.gibbssports.com.

Note to Editors: Additional photos are available on request.